Tuesday, November 30, 2010

A Warm Welcome

Just a few of the best reasons to own a dog: 

Unconditional love.

Incomparable faithfulness & devout loyalty. 

And....

The way they greet you when you walk through the door.







'Nuf said. 

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Teacher’s Pet: At-Risk Youth + Shelter Dogs = A Winning Recipe For Hope

What do shelter dogs and at-risk youth have in common?  A whole lot more than you think, especially if you’re talking about Teacher’s Pet, a non-profit organization based in Rochester Hills, MI.

The organization founded by Amy Johnson is no less than brilliant. Johnson, who has a love for counseling and dogs, found a way to turn her two passions and use them for the greater good. The concept is pretty simple, take area shelter dogs (with a strong emphasis on those that are harder to adopt due to breed, behavioral issues, lack of socialization, and previous abuse and neglect), pair them up with local students who also have their own behavioral challenges, and use them to help one another. The students are given the responsibility  and tools necessary to train these shelter dogs using positive reinforcement, and the dogs, which are in desperate need of exercise, attention, and training in order to be adopted are taught the basic dog obedience commands. At the end of the training program, both parties are changed for the better. The students learn responsibility, are challenged, grow in confidence, and have a strong sense of pride knowing that they can contribute to something great. In some cases, they see first-hand at what their skills can accomplish because many dogs are adopted during and after the training program. The program also emphasizes on the youth learning patience, impulse control, and increasing their empathy and perspective taking skills. One student trainer stated, “I always thought I was this horrible, worthless kid, but after training my dog, I realize that I am not.”

The training program is 10-12 weeks in length and is divided up into two segments and students are assigned one dog per segment.  Dogs are selected from the Oakland Pet Adoption Center, Macomb County Animal Shelter, and K-9 Stray Rescue League. Students come from Kingsley Montgomery School in Waterford, Crossroads for Youth in Oxford, Children’s Village in Waterford, and the Macomb County Juvenile Justice Center in Mount Clemens, and in order to be considered for participation in the program, students must fill out a detailed application, they even have to answer some essay questions.  During the training sessions, students not only learn how to teach the dogs basic obedience commands, but they also learn general information about dog ownership, dog behavior, and different types of dog breeds. At the end of each segment, a doggie graduation event is held. This signals the end of the training for each dog in the program. Parents of the students and people interested in adopting one of the dogs attend these graduation nights. The students get to showcase their dog and show off their dog’s talents.

Teacher’s Pet is truly making a difference in the community by making shelter dogs more adoptable AND even more importantly, by making a difference in the lives of local youth.

You can help make a difference by supporting Teacher’s Pet. They currently need:
·         Monetary donations
·         A van to transport dogs to various locations
·         Dog treats
·         Dog food
·         Blankets and towels
·         Dog toys
·         Leashes and Flat Collars
·         Harnesses
·         Notebooks
·         Smalls gifts for students’ graduation
·         Crates (all sizes)
·         Travel carriers (all sizes)
·         Grooming services
·         Veterinary services

For more information on Teacher’s Pet, view available dogs ready to be adopted, and to read some of their success stories, please visit their website: http://teacherspetmichigan.org


Sunday, November 7, 2010

Black Dog Syndrome

This topic seems strange doesn’t it? I’ve heard about it a few times from several people I know and thought, “Black dog discrimination?” Just doesn’t make any sense at all. But after further research, it is in fact a common problem in animal shelters.

While no one knows the exact reason, there are several theories including that dogs of a darker color may appear to be more aggressive. Various breeds known for their black coats are simultaneously known for their reputation of attacking people, such as rottweilers, Doberman pinschers, and pit bulls. Also, darker color dogs seem to go overlooked in poorly lit shelters.  On top of it all, they don’t photograph as well either, so in the age of www.petfinder.com, these dogs will continue to be missed during online searches. Black dogs are usually the last ones to get adopted and therefore, the ones most likely to be euthanized.

Black dogs are among the most beautiful dogs in the world. I know because I have one. She’s sweet, cute, and I couldn’t have asked for a better dog. But she’s one of the lucky ones.

Many black dogs are overlooked during the adoption process because of their coat color. Most of the time, the discrimination is done unconsciously.

If you are looking to adopt a dog, please look at all of your options and consider adopting a black dog.

If you are a local animal shelter and need help adopting the black dogs you currently have, consider the tips featured in this article:

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Shelter Spotlight #1-Almost Home, Southfield, MI

Deep in the heart of the Southfield business district, tucked away near the interchange of expressways just off of M-10 lies a no-kill animal rescue and haven called Almost Home. This shelter is located right by my office and throughout the day, when I’m racing to appointments or to pick up a quick bite to eat, I’ve noticed various volunteers walking adorable dogs with furiously waging tails just off of a path near a stretch of cookie cutter office buildings including ours.
With all of the offices nearby, I wonder how many dog lovers working nearby don’t even know about this place, so I’ve decided to highlight this great organization.
Almost Home Animal Rescue League was formed in 2001 by Gail Montgomery and her daughter Lauren. The very foundation of their shelter was built on providing a safe place for all animals from young to old, sick to healthy, maimed or beautiful.  Almost Home continues to thrive because the generous donations of people throughout Metro Detroit and various volunteers, and continues to proudly carry the name “no kill.” In fact, before Gail and Lauren took over the shelter, all sick animals found in Southfield were taken to another shelter in the Metro Detroit area to be euthanized. Now all animals found in Southfield, sick and healthy are brought to the shelter to be loved and treated. They receive no funds from the City and have recently spent more than $20,000 to treat sick dogs and cats recently dropped off there.  Because of this, they are in desperate need of donations! If you can help in anyway, please contact them. Every single dollar helps them.
Adoptable dogs and cats from Almost Home can be found at the link below. There are plenty of adoptable pets to choose from. Given the fact that they are a no-kill shelter, there are almost always filled to capacity. If you are looking for a new family member, it might be just a short drive away at their Southfield shelter.
The unique thing about Almost Home is that potential adopters are given the opportunity to foster an animal for two weeks, for the sole purpose of compatibility. Adoption donations range from $200-$300 and go towards covering the expenses incurred in rescuing the pet.  
Search their Adoptable Pets:
How You Can Help.
1)      Consider supporting Almost Home by making a tax-deductible monetary donation.
2)      Volunteer your time.  It doesn’t cost you a thing and you’ll feel good about it! Almost Home’s volunteer needs can be found here:
3)      Donate food and treats. Right now, Almost Home is in desperate need of dog food. They use Diamond Natural Chicken and Rice which can be purchased at most pet supply stores.
4)      Adopt a Dog or Cat Today from Almost Home.  
Adoption Events take place at Almost Home on Wednesdays from 3:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 1:30 until 5:30 p.m. at the Southfield location. 
They also take place at Premier Pet Supply every other Saturday from 1:30 until 5:30 p.m.
Upcoming Adoption Event Dates:
            November 6th
November 20th
December 4th
December 18th
            Premier Pet Supply
            31215 Southfield Road
            Beverly Hills, MI 48025
            248-674-4310

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Dog Adoption 101

Before you make the decision to add a lovable canine into your family, it is important to consider not only your lifestyle & needs but the needs of your future pet. Be sure to review and think about the following:
1)      Your Family. Do you live alone? Do you have small children? Be sure to think about each person living in your home and their current needs. For example, if your children or other family members have severe allergies or may be allergic to dogs, go for breeds that are known to be hypoallergenic like a poodle.  For homes with children, research breeds that do well with young children---not all breeds are the same! Do your homework.  If you live alone and work long hours outside of your home, a puppy is probably not right for you, so adopt an older dog which is already house-trained and has less energy.  Also consider the type of personality you and your family want in a dog.
2)      Your Home. Do you live in an apartment with little or no fenced yard? Choose a smaller dog like a chihuahua or a puggle, these breeds may tire easily, so a walk around the block daily may be all of the exercise they need. If you have a spacious yard with lots of room to run around, your home is perfect for dogs with more energy, however a daily walk is still highly recommended.
3)      Disposable Income. Sure the benefits of owning a dog truly outweigh the costs, but you have to be honest about what you can afford. Remember that adopting a dog is adding another member to your family. There is an initial cost of pet adoption charged by shelters and other organizations, which can range greatly from $50-$500 (the money helps keep shelters in business and goes towards their mission of saving other local animals) and purchasing all of their one-time only supplies like a crate, food and water bowls, a leash, and a collar. If your pet is not spayed or neutered, it is important to get this procedure done. There are bi-monthly or monthly costs to consider as such as food, treats, toys, heartworm medication, and flea/tick preventative medication. Vet bills can be costly, but it is important that your pet follow an annual vaccination schedule for shots such as bordetella and rabies. It is also extremely important that you register your pet with your local city office and obtain a dog license. It is usually a nominal fee ranging anywhere from $10-$30 depending on where you live.  If dog parks interest you, there typically is a cost involved, some charge a per visit amount or you can purchase an annual pass.
4)      Time. Taking care of a pet is a lot like taking care of a child. Consider the time you have to commit to training your dog on a continual basis. It’s a good idea to schedule time each day for appropriate amounts of exercise, play time, and training. If you’re always on the go, it might not be the best time in your life to adopt a dog.
Remember, adopting a dog is a big decision. You need to be committed to taking care of your four-legged friend for the rest of his/her life.  Think it through, do your research, and then decide.

Monday, October 25, 2010

The Art of Chillaxing

She knows something I don’t. Bella clearly understands the need to relax, the need to quiet the mind. She has a knack for allowing peace and tranquility to take over her entire being.
 She can fall asleep anywhere and in any position.

From being stretched out to curling up in a ball.


Her absolute favorite though is laying on top of pillows, any and all of them that happen to be around her at the time.


She can go from crazy hyper to asleep in 0 to 5…this always amazes me!
Chillaxing is an art and she is the in-house artist.
In a country where everything is fast-paced, where multi-tasking seems essential in the workplace, how do you relax? What do you do to unwind? Or do you forget to do just that?
Perhaps you let your worries, work, and anxiety fill your mind until you feel like your head is going to explode.
Are you a person who lets your work make you crazy with stress?
Maybe you don’t sleep well at night.
Maybe you don’t take time for yourself.
I don’t know about you but when I get home from work, it’s hard to turn everything off. I have a huge to-do list that grows by the minute. I take work home, I answer e-mails, I answer work calls. It’s overwhelming. There is just not enough time in the day.
Or perhaps there is just not enough time to do the things that matter most?
What matters most though?

Time with friends?
Time with family?
Time alone?
There is something to be said for peace and relaxation, with the goal of maintaining a calm sense of self.
To shut the world off, taking its cares and worries with it.
To close our eyes and fall asleep on top of a mound of pillows.

An Impulse Buy

We got lucky. Real lucky. But I wouldn’t recommend this, it’s not for everyone, but for us, it worked out. Bella simply is the best dog in the world. Really. You may argue, but we’re convinced. What started out as a two week dog search at www.petfinder.com and a brief visit to one local animal shelter resulted in what we have today. We weren’t sure that we were 100% ready, but let’s face it, is anyone ever ready? You just gotta go for it. Let me take you back there to explain.
It was late July 2009, I talked to my friend Amy (same friend who runs Teacher’s Pet) to see if she had any Rottweiler-type dogs in her training program. She mentioned a few black labs, but Brent always wanted a Rottweiler, we checked online and there she was; a shepherd mix with all of the distinct colorings of a Rottweiler. They pegged her as 1-3 years old, but she looked small. Not built at all like a rott. As luck would have it, she was living at a shelter in Oxford, one that Amy worked with from time-to-time and I just had to meet her as soon as possible. What was the rush you ask? Well, they were having an adoption event at the Palace of Auburn Hills that weekend and judging by the photos I saw online, I knew someone else would adopt her right away. I couldn’t have that.
So we went on that Thursday and I just happened to have a break in between working at the office and an event I had in the evening, so Brent and I drove separately and met up at K-9 Stray Rescue League (http://www.dogsaver.org/k9srl/). We walked up to the ranch house which doubled as a safe-house for stray dogs and dogs that were discarded like they meant nothing to their owners. (Given the rough economic times, I understand that some owners simply just cannot afford to take care of them and for them, my heart breaks. Giving up a member of your family just cannot go down easy. I hope they find peace and that their dogs find a new, loving home.) The front yard of the house had several rows of dogs just hanging out on the front lawn. All were excited to see us and we walked around gave them all a dose of affection, but I wanted to find her.  We checked in with one of the volunteers and explained that we were there to see “Chelsea.” No offense to all the Chelseas out there, on the other hand, maybe you’ll be happy to agree, Chelsea is just not a dog name. It’s a beautiful human name, but Chelsea just doesn’t jive with me. Besides, I already had a name picked out. We were taken to a small room with doors on each side. One door went out to the kitchen/adoption paper signing area. The other door led to the backyard. We sat and waited while the volunteer went to get Chelsea.
And Chelsea made an entrance, did she ever. I was shocked. Stunned. I didn’t know what to do. I had to just sit there, exchange faces with Brent, while a moment of panic hit me because she entered the room with such hyper energy. She ran into the room and straight to the door at the opposite end of the room and slammed her body into it. Then she ran back to the door near the back of the house and did the same thing. This pattern of behavior went on for what felt like 5 minutes. Back and forth. Back and forth. Back and forth. We called her name. No response. We held out a treat. No response. Back and forth. Back and forth. Is this the way she is going to be at our house? How would we deal with this? Is this the right choice? Right now, we cannot read her personality, too much energy to tell. What is she really like?
We decided to take her for a walk outside to see if we could get her to calm down a little bit. She bonded with us quickly and we couldn’t just leave her there. We decided right then and there to go for it. We signed the papers, wrote the check, and realized we have nothing at home for her. No dog bowls, no food, no treats, no toys, nothing. We had to leave her at the shelter and make a quick run to Meijer to stock up. We laughed and kept saying, “This is crazy.” But I believe that’s how it works. Not sure about you, but I usually don’t have everything mapped out in my life, I try to keep things open to impulse and adventure, it keeps things interesting.  And often times, it just works out in the end and that’s what happened with us and Bella.
Bella (Chelsea) is actually quite different than the dog we met that day. She is perfect. She has never destroyed anything in our house (knock on wood) and gets along well with our neighbors and their children. She is sweet. She doesn’t like to be cuddled, but she’ll tolerate our hugs and kisses. I believe she could have been that crazy dog if it wasn’t for the proper amounts of daily exercise and training she receives on a consistent basis.
And like a proud mother, I have to show her off:

Her first day at our house!


First car ride


Hanging out!



Thursday, October 21, 2010

First Blog Post

Here I go! My first post and I honestly don't know quite where this is headed. I have been inspired by great bloggers in the Metro Detroit area and by a close friend of mine who recently started her own blog about a month ago. She recently moved to Indonesia and is sharing her experiences in a real and honest way. Check it out here: http://12000milesfromfamiliar.blogspot.com/

I chose to start a blog because I felt it would be great to have an outlet, to challenge myself, to better my writing skills, and even more importantly go beyond my comfort zone. 
When I think about the things I'm passionate about or hobbies of mine, two things pop into my head: my dog Bella and gardening. So I feel this blog may focus on those topics and more. I want to make a difference and I think about the great work another friend of mine is doing to help get shelter dogs adopted. She works with "delinquent" or troubled students and works with local animal shelters. The students help train the dogs. The students find their passion and help to improve the lives of the shelter dogs and the dogs are more adoptable because they are well-trained. Voila! Both parties win! I think my next post may focus more on her organization and the cool things they are doing.

More to come...